are you really ready for a breakdown?
So we had a breakdown this weekend that was not too serious (bolt fell out of a front brake caliper mount - bolt only available at dealer). Long story short due to where we were located we were able t...
Forum Discussion
We've been full-timing and traveling constantly - even to Alaska - for 17 years and all the 'what ifs' really never enter our minds. Stuff happens and you just deal with it when it does. However these are some simple things to consider:
- where to tow? Most often, your roadside insurance will dictate where 'they' want you towed, unless you pay for towing yourself. Any place you're towed will usually have room accommodations, if needed. A ride in the tow truck to get there can be exciting! Also, most repair places will let you stay overnight in your own RV until repair are made.
- long story but on one particular trip to Alaska we thought, instead of taking our motorhome, we'd buy a small older 5th wheel and older truck and sell both after the trip. On our way from Arizona we made a crosscut through Death Valley as we were traveling north in California to the Canadian border. Our truck blew the engine. Another vehicle came by and called 911 for us when he got a signal. A state patrol came by and we were able to complete contact with a towing company 75 miles away. The state patrol stayed with us 2 hours until the tow arrived - actually 2 flatbed tow vehicles - one for the truck and one for the 5th wheel. Both were towed the 75 miles, with us in each truck. Our 5th wheel was towed to a campground and the truck to a repair facility. The repair facility lent us a car for a week, free of charge, the insurance (a supplement on our regular vehicle policy at $4/year) paid for our campground stay and both tows. When repaired (big $$) we went back to Arizona to our motorhome, put both the truck & trailer on consignment (sold in 2 months) and continued our Alaskan trip in our motorhome and Jeep as we should have done in the first place. :) Yes, there were inconveniences but things have a habit of working out.
- keep your equipment in top mechanical condition as best you can and most definitely your tires. We did think our truck was in top condition but the climb out of Death Valley showed us otherwise. It's never a 100% given.
- keep a full tank of fresh water (it really doesn't cut down on your fuel mileage), holding tanks emptied from place to place, and most of us keep ample food in our RVs. All RVs are self-contained. You can stay for days in it, if necessary. Frankly, staying long-term alongside the road probably wouldn't be necessary. You can get by just fine until help arrives. We travel secondary roads almost solely and 99% of the time we have a cell signal. If not, just wait in the comfort of your RV and help will come in some form - either a good samaritin who will call 911 for you when a signal is had or highway patrol will come by.
If in a motorhome, it's very desireable to tow a vehicle.
So..our advice.. don't fret too much about breakdowns. It'll work out!
- where to tow? Most often, your roadside insurance will dictate where 'they' want you towed, unless you pay for towing yourself. Any place you're towed will usually have room accommodations, if needed. A ride in the tow truck to get there can be exciting! Also, most repair places will let you stay overnight in your own RV until repair are made.
- long story but on one particular trip to Alaska we thought, instead of taking our motorhome, we'd buy a small older 5th wheel and older truck and sell both after the trip. On our way from Arizona we made a crosscut through Death Valley as we were traveling north in California to the Canadian border. Our truck blew the engine. Another vehicle came by and called 911 for us when he got a signal. A state patrol came by and we were able to complete contact with a towing company 75 miles away. The state patrol stayed with us 2 hours until the tow arrived - actually 2 flatbed tow vehicles - one for the truck and one for the 5th wheel. Both were towed the 75 miles, with us in each truck. Our 5th wheel was towed to a campground and the truck to a repair facility. The repair facility lent us a car for a week, free of charge, the insurance (a supplement on our regular vehicle policy at $4/year) paid for our campground stay and both tows. When repaired (big $$) we went back to Arizona to our motorhome, put both the truck & trailer on consignment (sold in 2 months) and continued our Alaskan trip in our motorhome and Jeep as we should have done in the first place. :) Yes, there were inconveniences but things have a habit of working out.
- keep your equipment in top mechanical condition as best you can and most definitely your tires. We did think our truck was in top condition but the climb out of Death Valley showed us otherwise. It's never a 100% given.
- keep a full tank of fresh water (it really doesn't cut down on your fuel mileage), holding tanks emptied from place to place, and most of us keep ample food in our RVs. All RVs are self-contained. You can stay for days in it, if necessary. Frankly, staying long-term alongside the road probably wouldn't be necessary. You can get by just fine until help arrives. We travel secondary roads almost solely and 99% of the time we have a cell signal. If not, just wait in the comfort of your RV and help will come in some form - either a good samaritin who will call 911 for you when a signal is had or highway patrol will come by.
If in a motorhome, it's very desireable to tow a vehicle.
So..our advice.. don't fret too much about breakdowns. It'll work out!
